Better Safe than Sorry

Ft. Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the busiest and largest seaports on the East coast of the United States. On any given day, dozens of ships enter and exit the port carrying merchandise and resources that help keep America running. The frequency of imports and exports makes Port Everglades a critical part of South Florida’s economic backbone and a high risk area for environmental damage.

DEP’s Bureau of Emergency Response (BER) recently teamed up with the United States Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) and others to simulate an environmental disaster at Port Everglades and coordinate response efforts. The simulation involved a 4.2 million gallon oil spill at Port Everglades with partner agencies responding as if the simulation was a real event. DEP Park Patrol Officers evacuated and secured nearby John U. Lloyd State Park while BER agents advised the United States Coast Guard on oil containment and removal procedures. The simulation provided valuable data on tidal activity and water flows that could be used to help contain future spills and predict spill movement once in the water.

BER frequently partners with numerous local, state and federal agencies to practice and rehearse a variety of simulations aimed at improving Florida’s response to environmental hazards and emergencies. Continual practice and training will help ensure the highest level of environmental protection for Florida's valuable natural resources and its citizens.

For more information about BER and DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/law/.